Dog Growth on Skin: What is It and How Do I Fix It?

Have you noticed an odd growth on your dog’s skin? Are you worried about it? Do you want to know how to fix it? If so, you’re not alone. Growths on the skin are common problems for dogs, and they can happen to dogs at any age and of any size or breed, too.

In this article, we’ll show you some of the basic information you need to know about growths on a dog’s skin. You can use this information to figure out what you might be able to do to help at home, and to determine when it’s time to see the veterinarian, too.

Types of Growths That Can Appear on a Dog’s Skin

Skin growths on dogs can range from a variety of different types, including:

Hematomas

If your dog is injured in some way, he may develop a hematoma. This is a skin growth that happens when blood gets trapped under the skin because of an injury. It can be painful, although it isn’t always.

Abscesses

An abscess on a dog is much like an abscess on a human, and it is often painful. Abscesses are caused by bites or stings from insects, bites from other animals, or any other type of injury that punctures the skin. They occur when infection is present.

Hives

Hives happen when your dog has an allergic reaction to a contaminant or substance he comes into contact with. They usually look like a rash or may look somewhat like a poison ivy breakout in humans.

Cysts

Cysts on a dog’s skin are not unlike pimples on a human’s skin. These cysts happen when your dog’s skin glands become blocked. They usually pop and go away on their own after a few days, although they can sometimes be painful or itchy in the process.

Sebaceous Tumors

These benign tumors are also a lot like pimples, and they are caused by blocked glands as well. They may look like warts, and they may sometimes clear up on their own, but not always.

Histiocytomas

These are hard bumps that occur on a dog’s head or ears. They can also sometimes occur on the legs. They are most common in younger dogs, but they can happen to dogs of any age. This problem may look unpleasant, but it doesn’t cause any pain or itching, and it usually goes away on its own.

However, it may sometimes take several years for a histiocytoma to go away completely.

Lipomas

Many dog owners commonly refer to these as “fatty tumors,” and that is more or less what they are. These are not cancerous, but they are tumors, and they are caused by fat deposits in your dog’s body. You can prevent them in your dog by keeping him from becoming overweight.

Cancerous Tumors

Finally, cancerous tumors can and do occur on a dog’s skin, but they aren’t terribly common. They look like sores or warts that never go away, and they may often cause your dog pain. You may notice him licking or chewing at them, which is often a sign that the tumor is a cancerous one.

Types of Treatments for Growths on Dog Skin

Possible treatment options for growths on your dog’s skin include, but aren’t limited to:

Switching to Healthy Foods

Switching your dog to a healthy and well-balanced diet is a great way to ensure he has good skin health. The healthier his food, the healthier his whole body will be, and that includes his skin! The right food can sometimes even help reduce the risk of cancers.

Skin Treatments

Sometimes, your dog may be prescribed ointments or salves for some skin conditions, particularly hives. Your vet will give you more information about how to use these treatments for your dog. Do not use any ointments or salves on your dog’s skin unless instructed by a vet, as they can sometimes cause more harm than good.

Proper Grooming

Keeping your dog well-groomed can help cut back on sebaceous tumors and cysts that are related to poor skin condition.

Early Detection

If you notice a concerning growth on your dog’s skin, you don’t have to drop everything and rush to the vet the next day, but you should make a plan to see your veterinarian sooner rather than later. If it doesn’t clear up within a week or so, or if your dog chews at it often, this is a good sign you should get it checked out by the vet as soon as possible. Early detection of cancerous tumors can go a long way.

Removal

Many times, even cancerous tumors of the skin can be removed surgically with good results. If your vet thinks your dog is a good candidate for removal surgery, you can ask for more information about this procedure.

Chemotherapy

Rarely, some vets may recommend chemotherapy for dogs with tumors growths on their skin or dogs who have more aggressive forms of cancer. It is up to you to choose whether or not to go with this treatment option, but you should speak with your vet for all the details so you can make an informed decision.

Seek Veterinary Care for Your Dog’s Skin Growth

Did you learn something useful about your dog’s skin growth? Most of the time, growths on the skin are benign issues, and some of them will go away on their own. However, in some rare cases, they may be a sign of a more serious health concern such as cancer.

Because of this, it’s crucial to take your dog to the vet right away if you have any concerns about the growth or if it does not go away in a week or so. At The Village Vets, our expert veterinary team will help determine the cause of this condition and let you know any treatment options as well. Contact any of our locations for more information or questions about your pet’s health.